ALDEN — A former Erie County correction officer and an incarcerated individual face charges after allegedly conspiring to smuggle contraband into the county correctional facility, Sheriff John C. Garcia announced Tuesday.
Matthew Morano, 29, of Depew, who was employed as a correction officer, and Luis Bonilla, 31, of Cheektowaga, an inmate at the facility, were arrested following an investigation by the sheriff’s Narcotics and Intelligence Unit and Jail Management Division.
Investigators determined Morano introduced contraband, believed to be tobacco and K2, to the facility during his scheduled work shifts and provided it to Bonilla on multiple occasions.
Bonilla allegedly arranged to have the contraband placed in the mailbox at his home address for Morano to pick up.
Morano faces charges of second-degree promoting prison contraband, official misconduct, and sixth-degree conspiracy.
Bonilla has been charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband and sixth-degree conspiracy.
Morano was issued an appearance ticket and released.
He was placed on administrative leave and subsequently resigned.
Bonilla remains incarcerated at the Erie County Correctional Facility.
Sheriff Garcia said the investigation into the conspiracy is ongoing.
